Abstract Rape has a number of definitions and traditionally rape is defined as the forced, non consensual, penetrative vaginal sex. This paper aims to discuss the causation behind this cruel and obscene violation to a person's self, using the most popular theory of rape; the social learning theory. It begins with a generalisation of the theory with reference to Bandura, of which the theory is based upon followed by an explanation of how this theory relates to and provides a cause for the unlawful act.
The main theme throughout is pornography and how this may or may not have a direct effect upon people, particularly men who rape. It also discusses the impact of culture, society, aggression theories and feminism.
From the Paper "The social learning theory is a general theory of human behaviour, a variant of Behaviourism which looks at the way in which certain behaviour is acquired. Social learning theory, however, pays greater attention to the concept of human development and moreover recognises substantially the role of social reinforcements in explaining how these behaviours are learned. The basic proposition is that the same learning process in a context of social structure, situation and interaction, generates both conforming and deviant behaviour."
